3D Printer Filament Storage

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NJturner

Member
Joined
Dec 4, 2006
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528
Location
New Jersey, USA.
Hi all - I purchased a filament 3D printer to make different things, including jigs, organizers and parts for my pen making. I have PLA, PETG and ABS filaments that I use. The machine has a built in ABS (filament feed/storage unit) on it so I thought the filament would be fine in the ABS simply with the cover of it closed. Printer has been sitting about 30 days without being used until yesterday when I went to print some resin molds. Things didn't go well. Multiple filament breaks until the last one broke inside the printhead and I was not able to get it out. I have a spare printhead which I am going to put on, but I'm not sure about the filament. I put all my open rolls into an oven at about 140 degrees and am planning to leave them in there to dry for about 4 hours, but I'm trying to figure out what to store them in after the dry cycle. I read in a forum elsewhere that they suggest mylar bags with desiccant in the bag - does anyone do this? Any other suggestions? I really don't want to ruin another print head due to humidity issues with the filament. Thanks!!

Kevin
 
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Sounds like your filament absorbed ambient moisture. For long term storage (basically anything you aren't actively using), I've used a storage tote with a decent locking lid and some bags of silica desiccant in there to keep stuff dry.

The oven works to remedy "wet" filament decently well. Harder to do with PLA unless your oven is really nice and actually goes as low as it says it is. I ruined half a roll because it melted into one lump, turns out it the temp sensor didn't read anything below 250 very well.
 
I built this cart a months ago...I made it too large, but I did it on purpose, for when and if the totes are resized when they need replaced...the Cart is on large wheels, and the drawers are full extension to allow access to the filament easily. After the filament is opened it goes into a huge zip lock freezer type bag with desiccant in it. That bag is then put into the totes which have a gasket and snap lock for further protection. I like it a lot but have outgrown it, so now I have some of boxes with new unopened filament on top. ( they are just replacement colors)
 

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